Devin: Bradford tutor
Certified Tutor
I'm a current student of the University of Washington, earning a B.A. in Japanese Linguistics. I have been studying the Japanese language and culture since the age of twelve and I'm very passionate about what I do. I'm knowledgeable in the way social structures and language relate in Japan, and as we go through the study of the language together, you'll get to know some history and culture to further increase your understanding of the context of the Japanese language. I am an avid crafter, linguist, and reader in my spare time: I knit and crochet. I dedicate most of my time to Japanese, but I've dabbled as well in Spanish, French, Portuguese, and Irish Gaelic. I read anything from classic novels to soup cans. I think learning in a subject is never complete, especially when it comes to learning a foreign language. As a student myself, I'm very in tune with the struggles of native English speakers in learning Japanese, and I think it is imperative to open oneself up to learning something new that may be outside of their comfort zone. Through the process of your Japanese learning, we can seek to accomplish skilled comprehension to prepare you for basic reading and conversation for a trip to Japan, or to advance to further levels of classroom learning. I hope to go on and become a secondary teacher of Japanese, and I am very excited to work with you!
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Undergraduate Degree: University of Washington - Bachelor in Arts, Japanese Linguistics
- SAT Verbal: 720
Learning languages, knitting and crochet, music, arts and crafts, reading
What is your teaching philosophy?
My teaching philosophy is to let students dictate their understanding based upon what they're willing to put into the learning experience. If you put in the time and the dedication, you can learn anything!
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
In a typical first session, my student and I will go through what they know about the Japanese language. If you have experience in Japanese, we'll go through what you know and figure out where to start honing your skills. If you're brand new to the language, I'll start you on the Japanese survival basics, and we'll build your repertoire from there.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
I encourage my students not only to learn and understand, but also to apply. Every session we do will increase your understanding of the material, and by the end of it, you will know how to use it efficiently to convey your meaning in Japanese.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
I'm full of a mix of tough love and positive encouragement. When you learn with me, you'll know that I understand the hurdles and the everyday struggle of learning a new language, and I will encourage you to pick yourself up and keep on going for your goals!
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
If my student has difficulty with a concept, we'll practice it based on their unique needs and learning skills. We'll go over it until it's well understood, and we'll practice it until my student is absolutely confident in their ability.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
I encourage you to be an active thinker. Every time we read something, we'll clarify the meanings until every nuance is understood.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
I find that teachers and tutors who can relate to their student's struggles and learning experience are the best match. I know the everyday challenges of being a student in Japanese very intimately, so approaching problems in the student's perspective helps overall understanding most effectively.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
My students get to learn what they want to learn. Curious about how to say something? We'll learn it. Curious about culture? We'll cover it. Curious about structure? We'll go through it until you can do it confidently on your own.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
I ask lots of questions, and I encourage questions whenever there's confusion. We'll cover material until you understand it completely.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
Conversation, writing, reading, and practice, practice, practice.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
I take into consideration all student input about their feelings on their progress. I'll always review what we've covered at the beginning of the next session, and I'll test your skills at the end of sessions too.
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
I'm a good listener, and providing a comfortable learning environment is my #1 priority. If you don't understand something, I'll show you new perspectives until you do.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
I use student textbooks and class materials first and foremost, to match their curriculum in classes. However, if a student is learning on their own, I use many resources available, including material I've compiled on my own, electronic dictionaries, and good old fashioned paper and pencil. If you have no textbook or set class curriculum, all I recommend is a basic Japanese dictionary, whether digital or in print. The one thing I do not accept is Google Translate!